I have sleep apnea. The gasping kind. Could I still be a candidate for a Lower Face Lift?

Question

I am a 55 yr woman. I cannot sleep on my back but propped up on a wedge because of my sleep apnea. I am careful not to take any cough medicine as this makes me drowsy and I end up waking up gasping for air. Would I be so sedated that I may stop breathing while you do surgery on me? And are you prepared for a situation like this? What would you do if this happened? I really do want a Lower Face Lift but I need to feel sure that this surgery will not cause me any problems. Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes with apnea, as long as you have medical clearance, you can do a face and/or neck lift.  With significant neck sagging you would need a neck/face lift with muscle tightening (platysmaplasty). at the same time lasers (fraxel,  co2 or erbium( or microneedling RF (fractora, intensif) can be . performed to improve the crepe skin or wrinkles.  You need a formal consultation, as the neck can be treated with a combination approach:
1. micro needling and lasers for texture
2. botox, disport or xeomin to help platysmal bands
3. intensif or fractora RF microneedling for crepe skin and lifting
4. fillers like belotero, restylane silk, juvederm volbella to improve lines and folds
5. neck/face lifting if sagging is prominent or early starting +/- platysmaplasty (muscle tightening)
6. J plasma/Renuvion, thermiRF, inmode facetite for internal tightening
7. ultherapy and thermage for external tightening
8. regular Venus legacy, exilis ultra, or inmode forma treatments with facials to maintain tightness
9. PDO novathreads or silhouette instalift cone threads for lifting and long-term collagen production
see an expert for a full evaluation and treatment plan based on your individual situation and goals.
Best, Dr. Emer.

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

This can absolutely be performed and should be discussed with your surgeon. Sometimes we can do full procedures with local anesthesia, avoiding the sedative issues. To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these “core four” cosmetic specialties. Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help to identify a highly trained surgeon.Cameron Chesnut #realself hall of fame Physician

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending upon the severity of the sleep apnea, you may want to be careful about general anesthesia. With severe sleep apnea and a general anesthetic, you won’t have a problem during the surgery....just possibly before and after a general. Depending on your anatomy, your intubation may be difficult. Post op after a general is usually when there might be a problem in recovery with apnea.With IV sedation, it will be important to monitor the level of sedation. But usually with careful attention and good monitoring, there shouldn’t be a problem but it depends on your apnea severity.With a local aesthetic and oral sedation, this would likely be the safest  in view of your apnea. In all cases, careful monitoring during the procedure should be done.After the surgery in any of the above cases, be careful with the use of your pain medicine, ensure you are always on the correct sleeping position, and use your c pap if being used now.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  The answer is yes.  Even if you have sleep apnea you can have a face and neck lift.  You need a full physical exam and also be certain that you select a Accredited Surgical Facility and a Board certify plastic surgeon

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which a persons has pauses in their breathing while they are asleep. This is a condition that should be brought up with the anesthesiologist, the doctor who will be monitoring you during surgery. Severe cases of sleep apnea require extra precautions. I would discuss this with your surgeon for any procedure along with the anesthesiologist for a safe and happy result. Safety comes first.

I have sleep apnea. The gasping kind. Could I still be a candidate for a Lower Face Lift?

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Answer: Female

Answer: Female

Answer: Sleep Apnea and anesthesia for facelift

Answer: Sleep Apnea and anesthesia for facelift

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Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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I have sleep apnea. The gasping kind. Could I still be a candidate for a Lower Face Lift?

Answers (7)

Answer: Female

Answer: Female

Answer: Sleep Apnea and anesthesia for facelift

Answer: Sleep Apnea and anesthesia for facelift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.